Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Website: http://vmcontenders.org
Contenders Discipleship Initiative
E-mail: info@vmcontenders.org
Christian Doctrine
Systematic Theology
Copyright note:
The Contenders program is provided free of charge and it is expected that those who
receive freely will in turn give freely. Permission for non-commercial use is hereby
granted but re-sale is prohibited.
Contenders Bible School was a tuition-free two-year ministry equipping program started
in 1995 by Pastor Ron Sallee at Machias Community Church, Snohomish, WA. It is now
run as a tuition-free online equipping ministry by Village Missions. The full Contenders
Discipleship Initiative program with pdf copies of this guide and corresponding videos
can be found at www.vmcontenders.org.
Copyright is retained by Village Missions with all rights reserved to protect the integrity of
this material and the Village Missions Contenders Discipleship Initiative.
Student Registration
You must register as a student for the CDI to gain access to the video instruction. You will
find the online registration link at the top of the page at www.vmcontenders.org
You are encouraged to take these classes under the guidance of a Local
Instructor/mentor. If a Local Instructor/mentor is not available in your area, you are
welcome to take these classes on your own. If you take these courses as an independent
distance learner download and use the Local Instructor guidebook in conjunction with
the Student Guidebook as it has additional information.
Table of Contents
Christian Doctrine & Systematic Theology ......................................................................... 8
Personal Statement of Faith for Ken Ainsworth (Updated: Feb. 26, 2009) ...................... 37
Session 11, Part 2 – Ecclesiology: The Mission of the Church ........................................ 131
Session 13, Part 1 – Eschatology: The End According to Jesus ....................................... 150
Index............................................................................................................................... 176
Thank you for your faithfulness in helping Christians know what they believe and why
they believe it.
While the coursework for the Contenders Discipleship Initiative can be taken
independently by utilizing the on-line resources, the student learning experience will be
greatly enhanced when the content is delivered in a classroom setting. This is most
certainly true for Systematic Theology and Christian Doctrine. Your role will be to
facilitate the learning environment by focusing student attention, encouraging class
discussion, clarifying the various doctrines by answering questions and evaluating
student progress.
This course gives students an overview of major Biblical doctrines, putting them in
context of a systematic theology. While most evangelical Christians agree that doctrine
should come from the Bible, the reality is that the influences of culture and church
tradition often undermine the clear teaching of God’s Word. Students in this course will
learn to evaluate various doctrinal viewpoints from Scripture and determine which
doctrines are absolutely essential to the Christian faith. At the end of the course, each
student will produce their own statement of faith comprised of those doctrines for which
they would be willing to die.
As the instructor, you will need to assist students in making these distinctions. At the
end of each video session, you will need to challenge your students to consider which
concepts are absolutely essential to the Christian faith. These “bulls-eye” doctrines are
those which are clearly taught in the Bible and should be part of every Christian’s
personal statement of faith.
The video sessions themselves are concise and have a high concept load. As the
instructor, you need to preview the videos before each class session. Periodically, I will
ask you to pause the video so you can lead a class discussion on a particular topic. You
should feel free to pause the video at other times if a point needs to be clarified, but be
cognizant of time; you will need to keep the class moving in order to get through all the
material.
There is no required textbook for this course. However, Lectures in Systematic Theology
by Henry Thiessen is highly recommended. Thiessen presents systematic theology from
a dispensational viewpoint. Because I gravitate more toward a covenant theology,
Thiessen’s work will serve to broaden the perspective. Suggested reading assignments
from this textbook are included in the course schedule.
I’ve been privileged to teach this course a number of times over the years. Each quarter,
I develop wonderful relationships with my students, several of whom have gone on to
full-time pastoral ministry. Their questions challenge me to continue to search the
Scriptures to find out whether these things are so (Acts 17:11). I believe I’ve been able
to challenge them in similar ways. My prayer for you is that you would have a similar
experience. The study of Biblical doctrine is a life-long enterprise that fuels Christian
growth and sanctification. May you have the incredibly rewarding experience of assisting
others along that path.
This Instructor’s guide is your blueprint for the class and is to be used to support the
effective presentation of Christian Doctrine and Systematic Theology.
As a first step, you must review the program materials online on the vmcontenders.org
website under this course name.
This Local Instructor guide is designed to be used as you teach a classroom or as an
adjunct to the online program. As the Local Instructor, this guide can help you in five
ways:
Please review the online instructions for Local Instructors on the CDI website
Icon Meaning
Group Activity These assignments will be conducted in class. For those
distance learners, instructions are in your guide on how to complete these
activities. It is highly recommended that distance learners complete
these activities.
Assignments Assignments for the class including outside reading.
Special Note
Christian Doctrine and Systematic Theology was recorded at Contenders Bible School of
Machias Community Church.
These sessions, as presented in the Contenders Discipleship Initiative, have been broken
into smaller segments for pastor/mentor-led classes as well as independent distance
learners.
Pastor Ken's Student Guide has since been updated to match the structure of the video
course as presented in the CDI and is available as the Student Guide on the CDI
website.
The CDI Learning Management System requires all Local Instructors and Students to
register individually. Once registered with the CDI, access to all courses and videos are
open to view and/or download. For those taking CDI courses in a classroom setting the
Learning Management System will track student progress if they periodically log in and
check off lessons completed.
Once you have decided to teach this program begin to make the contacts to your church
and in the larger community to promote the CDI. Set a date for your class to start and
the schedule you intend to follow. You will need to announce this information not just
once but several times to ensure you get the information out.
You will want to promote the class to address the various reasons why people might
want to attend. Some people will want to learn more about their faith, others feel called
to Christian ministry, still others might not be members of your church but are looking
for a way to learn about the Bible.
Remember to take advantage of the media outlets available, including social media, your
own church website and bulletins. You may want to take screen shots of CDI web pages
to share. The CDI has a Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/vmcdi
If you are an individual distance learner using the Local Instructor guide you might want
to consider gathering a small group to work through the course with you.
CLASSROOM SETUP
c Downloading the video content prior to your class is best so that you are not
dependent upon your internet connection.
c Direct streaming should only be used with an onsite High-Speed internet connection.
c If you do not have internet access you can contact Village Missions to see about the
availability of DVDs and Computer disks for the course videos.
c Use a Smart TV to show the video or an LCD projector with separate audio output to
a speaker system. Test your set up well ahead of time and before each session.
3. Start on time and stay on track. Always start on time, even if only one participant is
in the room. Keep exercises within their time limits. End discussions when they
cease to be productive. Lead participants away from digressions and tangents and
return to the lesson.
5. Mentor participants during the activities. Walk among groups in class as they work
on their activities and answer questions and offer guidance as appropriate. Ensure
participants are on track as they work. Give constructive feedback during the
presentations and discussions.
6. Review Questions: Review the content of each lesson throughout the course to
reinforce the learning outcomes for that lesson and to connect to upcoming material.
Sample review questions are available in the Instructor's guide; however, you should
develop additional questions, as appropriate. Make sure all questions directly relate
to and support the learning outcomes.
7. Lesson Outcomes: At the beginning of each lesson, review that lesson's outcomes.
Make sure participants are fully aware of the topics to be addressed in the lesson. At
the end of each lesson, review the outcomes once again using review questions or an
activity/exercise to ensure the outcomes were met.
Prepare the following ground rules on a flip chart page. (Cover the ground rules with the
flip chart pad's cover or a blank flip chart page, and leave it covered until you review it
during the class. Then post it on the wall so it is visible during the entire course.) In
training sessions, the term “parking lot” is used when you want to capture questions
that cannot be answered during the session.
These questions are written down on the flip chart and then the instructor follows up
with the participants with the answers at a later time. This way class time is not taken
up with questions that are of interest to the class, but may not be vital to the course
material.
GROUND RULES
• Be on time.
• Stay on task.
• Share responsibility for training.
• Do reading, homework.
• Participate in activities.
• Listen when others talk.
• Turn off cell phones.
• Some questions will be placed in
parking lot on flip chart.
While some note taking is beneficial, too much note taking can keep students from
paying active attention to the lecture. Student notebooks have been designed to strike a
balance between required note taking and material already supplied.
All tests and quizzes are open note / open book / open Bible.
Before each class session, review the session notes and material to be presented and
have a good grasp on the subject.
In contrast with the majority of classes you have probably experienced, these tests and
quizzes are not primarily for evaluation. These are designed to reinforce student learning
and to be a launching pad for class discussion.
Here are some suggestions that will facilitate the appropriate use of these instruments:
• Pray with your students before administering the test or quiz.
• Make sure students understand that the primary purpose is not evaluation. (Many
adult learners have a well-founded fear of school exams.)
• All tests and quizzes are open-book, open-note and most certainly open-Bible.
• I have found it helpful to assign the tests as homework, so students are prepared
to discuss the answers during the scheduled class session.
• Encourage students to correct their own tests.
• Make sure students understand the Biblical basis for correct answers, especially
those they did not answer correctly.
• Be willing to schedule private discussions with students who don’t understand a
particular question, or disagree with a particular doctrinal viewpoint.
Remember, all exams and quizzes are open book, open note and open Bible. They
are designed for review and for reinforcing key concepts. They are not primarily
intended for evaluation. They should be assigned as take-home tests. The following
session can then be used to have students evaluate (“grade”) their own tests. This
presents a great opportunity for answering questions and correcting any
misunderstood concepts.
STUDENT EVALUATIONS
Students who subsequently apply to Village Missions will need to have these evaluations
recorded in the CDI Learning Management System for each course.
The student’s Self Evaluation summarizes his or her accomplishments while taking the
course, any new understandings achieved, and the student’s goals for the future.
As you move closer to actual class date, use this checklist to make sure you are
prepared. Don’t forget that after the class, your work is not finished. The important
task of mentoring has just begun.
Instructor’s Checklist
One Month Prior Two Weeks Prior to Class One Week Prior Class Ongoing after Class
Gather Registrations
Contact Students
Send Reminders
Collect Book Fees
Order Materials
Print Course Materials
Test Internet Speed
Ensure PC is Virus Free
Conduct Classes
Conduct Quizzes
Write Assessments
Answer Class
Questions and E-mails
Follow-up Mentorship
Answer E-mails
Prepare For Next Class
Copy and bind the Student Guide for each person and order a copy of Lectures in
Systematic Theology by Henry Thiessen.
978-0802827296 $25.00
Upon completing this course you will have a solid foundation for further study and will be
able to identify aberrant teachings and heresy.
Subjects Covered:
Contrasting Belief Systems
The Target Model for Evaluating Essential Doctrines
Theology Proper (The nature of God)
The Trinity
Christology (The study of Jesus Christ)
Pneumatology (The study of the Holy Spirit)
God’s Decrees
The Works of God
Angelology (The study of angels)
Anthropology (The study of humanity)
Hamartiology (The study of sin)
Soteriology (The study of salvation)
Ecclesiology (The study of the church)
Eschatology (The study of the end times)
COURSE GOAL
This course gives students an overview of major Biblical doctrines, putting them in
context of a systematic theology.
Theology is the study of God and how He relates to His universe through His sovereign
will, His decrees and His works.
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for
reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God
may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
While most evangelical Christians agree that doctrine should come from the Bible, the
reality is that the influences of culture and church tradition often undermine the clear
teaching of God’s word. Students in this course will learn to evaluate various doctrinal
viewpoints from scripture and determine which doctrines are absolutely essential to the
Christian faith. At the end of the course, students will produce their own statement of
faith comprised of those doctrines for which they would be willing to die.
While not absolutely essential, it is highly recommended that you have first completed
Bibliology and How to Study the Bible as the skills gained in that foundational
course are invaluable for determining and evaluating Biblical doctrine.
Upon completing this course you will have a solid foundation for further study and will be
able to identify aberrant teachings and heresy.
COURSE SCHEDULE
Date: • Bibliography
• Final Evaluations
The notes in the guides for each video session are designed to focus student attention
on the most important points. Because your students will likely come from a great
diversity of educational backgrounds, some will be more skilled at taking notes than
others. The notes should serve to level the playing field.
It is recommended that you give students the opportunity to read through the notes
before starting the corresponding video. This will allow them to look for the missing
words as the video progresses. After each video ends, you should take time to go over
the note guide with students, answering questions and discussing concepts they might
find confusing.
At the end of most note guides, there will either be a short set of review questions, or a
table entitled Essential Doctrines. These should be completed before moving on to
the next video.
The word “doctrine” is found in the Bible and means an instruction, learning, or
teaching.
And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the
breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Acts 2:42
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for
reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God
may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
The study of God and how He relates to His universe is called _theology_______.
It is derived from two Greek words: The first is theos, which means God. The second is
logos, which literally means “word,” but it is far more than just a word spoken or written
on a page. It carries the idea of the sum total of everything there is to know about a
subject.
Question:
How would you relate the two terms “doctrine” and “theology” to one another?
When we put everything we know about God into an organized framework, we have a
_systematic theology____.
2. Do you think your personal statement of faith might change as you learn more
about the Bible? Why or why not?
Yes. As we learn more about God, we will be able to add doctrines to our
statement of faith.
Evangelical Christians assert that they get their doctrine exclusively from the
___Bible__________ “That we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and
carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning
craftiness of deceitful plotting, Ephesians 4:14
§ "The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; who
can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9
§ There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of
death. Proverbs 14:12
Doctrines to Defend
Doctrines to Discuss
Doctrines to Dismiss
Student answers will vary to the questions below, but they should be the basis for class
discussion.
1) Has what you believe about God changed since you became a Christian? If so,
give one example.
2) Can you think of a belief or a doctrine that has come primarily from church
tradition?
3) Some evangelical leaders say we need to modify what we teach and how we
worship to appeal to the predominant culture. Do you agree? Why or why not?
4) How would you approach a fellow Christian whose belief differs on a “Doctrine to
Defend”?
At the end of this session, you will be able to explain the following:
• “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
Hebrews 11:1
• “… without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must
believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”
Hebrews 11:6
___Believing He exists._______________
The belief system that actually denies that God exists: __atheism__________.
“… because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has
shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible
attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made,
even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,”
Romans 1:19-20
o Ecclesiastes 3:11
o The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” Psalms 14:1
• The belief system that doubts the existence of God but admits the possibility of His
existence is __agnosticism____.
• The belief system that asserts everything is God and that God is in everything is
__pantheism______.
• The belief system that acknowledges and worships many Gods: __polytheism_____.
• The belief system that acknowledges two offsetting universal forces of equal power is
__dualism_________.
• The belief system that acknowledges the existence of God, but denies that He can be
personally known and asserts that He is not actively involved in His universe is
__deism____________.
• When we act as if God cannot see or doesn’t care what we do, we are acting as
practical ___deists___________.
• The system that believes in a personal, omnipresent, omnipotent God who is and always
has been actively involved in His universe is __theism__________.
§ “And He [God] has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the
face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the
boundaries of their dwellings, so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that
they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us;
for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own
poets have said, 'For we are also His offspring.” Acts 17:26-28
§ “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers
by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has
appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being
the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding
all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins,
sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” Hebrews 1:1-3
§ “…all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the
called according to His purpose.”
Romans 8:28
1. According to Hebrews 11:6, what two conditions are necessary before we can please
God?
Believing God exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.
2. Can you think of something you recently did that might qualify you as a practical
deist?
Yes, because faith comes by hearing the word of God. Romans 10:17
You may use any format with which you are comfortable; it certainly doesn’t need to
follow the format of the example. Whatever the format, your statement of faith should
answer many of the following questions:
I believe the Bible, in the original languages and autographs, to be the inspired, inerrant word of
God and the final authority for all matters of faith and practice. 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12; 2
Peter 1:19-21
I believe in one God, the Eternal Spirit, who existed from eternity past and will exist to
eternity future. Deuteronomy 6:4. I believe the one God is eternally existent in three
persons, The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Genesis 1:2; Genesis 1:26; Matthew
3:16; John 1:1-3; John 6:27; Hebrews 1:8; Acts 5:3-4; John 14:16 God called the
worlds into being, created man in His own image, and set before Him the ways of life
and death. He is the Creator and Sustainer of all. Genesis 1:1; Psalm 33:6; Isaiah
48:13; Hebrews 1:10
In the person of Jesus Christ, fully God and fully man, He has come to us, shared our
common lot, conquered sin and death and reconciled the world to Himself. I believe in
Christ's virgin birth, His perfectly sinless life, His willing sacrifice of that life on the cross
so that we as sinners may be justified before God. Romans 5:6-9
I believe that Jesus was raised (bodily) from the dead, appeared to many witnesses,
then ascended to rule at the right hand of the Father, interceding for we believers. Acts
1:11 I believe that He will come again to establish His earthly kingdom. Revelation
22:12
I believe the Holy Spirit indwells Christians to draw them closer to God, teaching them
God's Truth, John14:26 testifying of Christ, John 15:26 and helping them with their
Christian walk. John 16:7 He also convicts men of sin and of judgment to come. John
16:8-11 It is the Holy Spirit who leads Christians to righteousness.
I believe the Bible, in the original autographs, to be the only inspired, immutable,
infallible Word of God, 2 Timothy 3:16 given and interpreted by the working of the
Holy Spirit 2 Peter 1:20-21.
I believe that man is born into sin, is totally depraved, Romans 3:23 and cannot have a
relationship with the most holy God apart from Jesus Christ. But by accepting the free
gift of salvation made possible by Christ's death and resurrection, the Christian is able to
receive God's grace through faith, which is a gift of God. Romans 10:9; Romans 3:25-
26; Galatians 3:13; Ephesians 2:8-9 By the indwelling of God the Holy Spirit, the
Christian is progressively sanctified and empowered to perform godly works according to
the will of God. Ephesians 2:10; James 2:15-20
I believe that Jesus Christ indwells and empowers His Church, Ephesians 1:22-23
for the edification of His saints, for evangelizing the lost, Matthew 24:14; Matthew
28:19; Luke 24:47 and for glorifying God in this dark and darkening world. Ephesians
3:10-12
I believe in the bodily resurrection of all men, the saved to life, and the unsaved to
condemnation. John 5:29 I believe there is no work I can do to earn my salvation, so I
must, through the faith granted to me by God, believe that Jesus paid my penalty in full
so that I can spend eternity in heaven with Him. Luke 10:20; John 14:2; Ephesians
2:8-9; Revelation 7:9)
"If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised
Him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9
• In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1
• "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the
kingdom of God." John 3:3
• “The fool has said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, and
have done abominable iniquity; There is none who does good.” Psalm
53:1
2. Is there evidence for the existence of God outside of the Bible? Cite scripture to
support your answer.
Yes. Romans 1:19-20; Psalm 19:1-2.
At the end of this session, you will be able to list and describe:
Characteristics of God’s essence.
God’s essential attributes.
God is Spiritual.
God is personal:
• He has intellect________.
• He has emotions________.
• He has will________.
• "But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the heaven of
heavens cannot contain You. How much less this temple which I have built!” 1
Kings 8:27
• “God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and
earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. Nor is He worshiped with
men's hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath,
and all things.” Acts 17:24-25
§ Jealousy______
§ Anger______
§ Love______
• God has a purpose and displays volition. We say that he has a will______.
• God always keeps His word and cannot lie, so we say He is true_______.
• Related to God’s goodness is the fact that He is sacred beyond anything in His
creation, so we say He is holy_______.
• God is without guilt or sin and His judgments are always perfect, so we way He is
just_______.
For each of the statements below, check where they belong on our doctrinal target.
To Dismiss
To Discuss
To Defend
To Die For
Doctrinal Statement
God came into existence when the universe was created. X
God is absolutely sovereign and in complete control of His universe. X
God is self-existent and had no need to be created. X
God never sins, but He sometimes makes mistakes. X
God is an impersonal force. X
God gets angry. X
God will never change. X
There is nowhere we can go to escape God. X
• There is one__ God who eternally exists as three__ distinct persons: Father,
Son and Holy Spirit.
• “When all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also was
baptized; and while He prayed, the heaven was opened. And the Holy Spirit
descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven
which said, “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:21-22)
• “For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the
Holy Spirit; and these three are one.” 1 John 5:7-8 KJV
• “But to the Son He says: “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter
of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom.” (Hebrews 1:8)
• The writer of Hebrews cites Psalm 45 to indicate that the Father___ Himself
calls the Son______ God.
• “But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy
Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? While it
remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own
control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied
to men but to God." Acts 5:3-5
• Peter states that Ananias lied to the Holy Spirit____, and then says that the
lie was directed at God. So the Holy Spirit___ is identified as God.
• In John 17:11, the Father is described as Holy. In Mark 1:24, the Son is
described as Holy. In John 14:26, the Spirit is described as Holy. In
Revelation 15:4, it states that only God___ is holy.
• Father, Son and Holy Spirit were all involved in the creation____ and are in
fact, equal co-Creators____.
Despite the eternal existence of three persons, there is only one____ God.
• "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one!” Deuteronomy 6:4
• "You are My witnesses," says the LORD, "And My servant whom I have chosen,
That you may know and believe Me, And understand that I am He. Before Me
there was no God formed, Nor shall there be after Me”. Isaiah 43:10
• The doctrine of the Trinity is not in conflict with the essential unity___ of God.
3. Subordinationism_____ holds that only the Father is God and the Son was
created by the Father at a point in time. The Holy Spirit is only sometimes
included.
4. Arianism________ is the view that only God the Father is eternal. The Son is
the first created being and is not one in essence with the Father. Jesus is called
God as an honorary title. The Holy Spirit is an impersonal force.
For each of the statements below, check where they belong on our doctrinal target.
To Dismiss
To Discuss
To Defend
To Die For
Doctrinal Statement
God is one God; there is no other. X
God sometimes appears as the Father, sometimes as the Son and X
sometimes as the Holy Spirit.
Jesus was the very first thing God created. X
The Holy Spirit is the force that carries out God’s will. X
The Holy Spirit is 100% God and has always been in existence. X
The “oneness” of God is not in conflict with the three persons of X
God.
Each person of the Trinity is co-equal and co-eternal. X
The fact that we cannot fully comprehend the Trinity does not mean X
that is untrue.
Answer the following questions, supporting your answer from Scripture when
appropriate.
1. What is the source of authority and the basis for all doctrine?
The Bible
No, but the preponderance of evidence strongly supports the existence of God.
3. Is there any point in quoting Scripture to a non-believer who does not recognize the
authority of the Bible? Why or why not?
Yes, because faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans
10:17)
Atheism
b. God exists, but He is not personal, nor is He directly involved in His universe.
Deism
Agnosticism
Theism
5. True or False: The doctrine of the Trinity states that there are actually three
separate Gods: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
False
6. True or False: There is only one God, but sometimes He shows up as the Father,
sometimes as the Son, and sometimes as the Holy Spirit.
False
No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the
Father, He has declared Him. John 1:18
For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, 1
Timothy 2:5
John 1:1-5 is an important passage for our understanding of God the Son.
• In the beginning,
o From Jesus’ high-priestly prayer, we learn that Jesus was together with
the Father before the world was created.
§ “For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that
Rock was Christ.” 1 Corinthians 10:4
For each of the statements below, check where they belong on our doctrinal target.
To Dismiss
Dismiss
To Discuss
To Defend
To Die For
Doctrinal Statement
In John 1:1, “The Word” refers to Jesus Christ. X
Because Jesus is God’s Son, God the Father existed before Jesus. X
Jesus is our Prophet, our Priest, and our King. X
Jesus was active in the creation. X
According to Paul, the pillar of fire and the pillar of smoke that led X
Israel in the wilderness was the pre-incarnate Christ.
Christ came into existence when he was born to Mary. X
The appearances of The Angel of the Lord in the Old Testament are X
pre-incarnate appearances of God the Son.
• He emptied Himself, taking the form of a bondservant and coming in the likeness
of men. Philippians 2:5-8
• God the Son existed from eternity past, but at a point in time, He became a man.
• The incarnation made it possible for Christ to die for our sins____.
• Matthew 6:9
• John 1:18
• John 14:9
• John 16:27
• Matthew 6:8
• Matthew 5:45
• Our Priest________ – because we need someone who can appear on our behalf
in the presence of God. (He is the Mediator.)
For each of the statements below, check where they belong on our doctrinal target.
To Dismiss
To Discuss
To Defend
To Die For
Doctrinal Statement
From eternity past, Jesus was 100% God. X
When Jesus was born, He gave up being God. X
Jesus needed to live a human life so He could pay the penalty for X
sin.
Jesus was human in every way, except He did not sin. X
Since Jesus is God, He is a Spirit, so His incarnation was in X
appearance only – He wasn’t really flesh and bone.
Jesus serves as our Prophet, our Priest, and our King. X
Because of the incarnation, God the Father is revealed to us. X
The Ascension
• After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to many witnesses for about 40_____
days, and then ascended into heaven. Acts 1:9-11
• The ascension is also a real, historical event.
• Jesus’ ascension was physical_____, not just spiritual. Eph 4:8-10, 1
Timothy 3:16, 1 Peter 3:22
Exaltation
• When Jesus ascended, God the Father exalted_____ Him, answering the
petition from Christ’s High-Priestly prayer. (John 17:5)
• Jesus retains His glorified body, but at His ascension, He reacquired the
attributes of godhood_____ He had voluntarily set aside.
• Jesus is spiritually_____ present everywhere. Ephesians 4:10
• Jesus continues to be actively involved in His universe. Hebrews 1:3
• Jesus intercedes_____ for His people. Hebrews 4:14
To Dismiss
To Defend
To Discuss
To Die For
Doctrinal Statement
Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God. X
Jesus is the Agent of creation. X
Jesus is as much God as the Father is God. X
Jesus became a man only for the thirty-some years He walked the X
earth.
While Jesus was still fully God, He voluntarily gave up some of the X
attributes of Godhood while living on Earth.
Jesus didn’t really die on the cross; He merely swooned. X
Jesus death on the cross paid sin’s penalty for all who believe. X
Jesus rose from the dead, ascended to heaven and reigns at the X
right hand of the Father.
Subordination
• The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are each wholly God. They are equal in
power___ and authority.
• But the Son willing subordinates Himself to the Father___. John
5:30
• And the Spirit___ willingly subordinates Himself to the Father and the
Son. John 16:13-14
To Dismiss
To Discuss
To Defend
To Die For
Doctrinal Statement
The Holy Spirit is the impersonal power of God working out His will. X
The Holy Spirit was active in the creation. X
In Scripture, the Holy Spirit has names relating to the Father, the X
Son and to Himself.
The Holy Spirit is as much God as the Father and the Son are. X
The Holy Spirit is a psychic force that can be generated by human X
beings.
The Holy Spirit participated in the resurrection of Jesus. X
The Holy Spirit is a person. X
Although equal in power and authority, the Holy Spirit willingly X
subordinates Himself to the Father and the Son.
• Believers are baptized____ in the Holy Spirit by Christ, uniting them into one
body, the Church. Mark 1:8; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 1:13
• Because the Holy Spirit lives within the Christian, the believer is
empowered____ to live a more holy life. Romans 8:13
• The Holy Spirit inspired the writing of the Bible, but He also helps us interpret it
rightly. The Holy Spirit leads believers into truth____ by illuminating the Bible.
John 14:26
• We Christians are certainly not free from sin, but in the Holy Spirit, we have a
guide____ who can lead us to a more holy life. Galatians 5:16
To Dismiss
To Defend
To Discuss
To Die For
Doctrinal Statement
The Holy Spirit has always been at work in the creation. X
The Holy Spirit’s job is to convict the world of sin, righteousness and X
judgment.
The Holy Spirit is the Agent of the new birth, as He causes us to be X
born from above.
Speaking in tongues (as at Pentecost) is not the normative way the X
Holy Spirit manifests Himself today.
It is possible to come to Christ apart from the work of the Holy X
Spirit.
The Holy Spirit indwells all true believers. X
The Holy Spirit works in believers to guide the process of X
sanctification.
• Spiritual gifts are distributed as the Holy Spirit wills____, not to all, but to
some.
Spiritual Fruit
• The result of the Holy Spirit’s presence____ in all____ believers.
• More clearly seen as believer matures____.
• Gives assurance____ of salvation.
• Examples of Spiritual Fruit
o Love (agapē) - an active love for God and one's fellow man.
o Joy (chara) – an attitude of rejoicing regardless of circumstance.
o Peace (eirēnē) - peacefulness and serenity of character and
peacemaking among people.
o Longsuffering (makrothumia) – patience with others who may be quite
inconvenient.
o Kindness (chrēstotēs) – being kindly disposed toward others
o Goodness (agathōsunē) –An attitude that seeks to serve others or
come to their aid.
o Faithfulness (pistis) - steadfastness in one's relationships with God and
other people.
o Gentleness (praotēs) – meekness; accepting God's will in dealing with
others.
o Self-control (egkrateria) – the ability to keep oneself in check and
aligned with God’s will.
• Spiritual fruit is produced by the Spirit, but requires effort on the part of the
Christian. Philippians 2:12-13; 2 Peter 1:8; 2 Peter 1:10
Spiritual gifts are abilities given by the Holy Spirit to some individuals for
the advancement of the Gospel and the edification of the Church.
Spiritual fruit refers to characteristics that all believers should
increasingly manifest as they mature.
2. Give an example of the growth of Spiritual fruit you recognize in your own life.
3. If a person claims to know Christ, but there is no evidence of Spiritual fruit, what
might you say to him or her?
QUIZ: PNEUMATOLOGY
3. True or False: The Holy Spirit is not equal in power to God the Father. False_________
5. According to John 16:13, what will the Holy Spirit do for us?
6. According to John 16:14, what will the Holy Spirit do for Jesus?
a. Glorifies Christ
8. What is the difference between Spiritual gifts, and the fruit of the Spirit?
a. Spiritual gifts are distributed as the Spirit wills, not to all, but to some
for the edification of the Church and the glory of God.
b. The fruit of the Spirit is the result of the Holy Spirit's presence and
working in the lives of maturing believers. Spiritual fruit will be
manifest in all believers, more so as they mature.
The apparent contradiction between God’s sovereignty and human responsibility will
likely cause difficulty for some of your students. It may even bring up the doctrine of
divine election. Try not to use too much class time on this for now, as it will be
addressed again in a future lesson.
Eternal decrees are those ordinances by which God, in His perfect wisdom,
determined to accomplish His purpose.
• From eternity, God has had an unchangeable plan____ with regard to His
creation. Ephesians 1:4; 2 Timothy 1:9
• God comprehends and determines___ all things and events that come to
pass. Ephesians 1:11; Proverbs 21:1; Philippians 2:13
• However, God does not sin!
• God does allow sin, but He always superintends___ it for His own
perfect purpose. Acts 2:23; Job 1:12; Acts 4:27-28
• All God’s decrees are unconditional and sovereign.
• God’s decrees are by no means dependent on human action.
• The end that God has in view will inevitably come to pass. Daniel
4:35; Ephesians 1:5; Romans 9
• The decrees of God are efficacious. Nothing can ever prevent God’s will!
• The decrees of God are always perfectly consistent with His holy nature.
Habakuk 1:13
The end that God has in view will inevitably come to pass.
God allows evil, but will always superintend it for his own ultimate
purpose and glory.
General Revelation
• God reveals Himself in the Creation___. Psalms 19:1-2; Romans 1:20
• This revelation is available___ to all.
• This revelation is true___, because it is impossible for God to lie. Hebrews
6:18
Special Revelation
• Given through God’s Prophets___ and Apostles.
• Preserved in the Bible___.
• Gives the way of salvation.
• Is absolutely true___ because it is impossible for God to lie. Hebrews 6:18
Interpretation of God’s Revelation
• Secular Science seeks truth by the interpretation of general___ revelation.
• Secular Science can be wrong.
• Problem is with the interpretation___ of general revelation.
• Theology seeks truth by the interpretation of special___ revelation.
• Theologians can be wrong.
• Problem is with the interpretation___ of special revelation.
• It is possible for secular science to inform___ theology.
• The Bible___ should___ inform secular science.
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of
the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10
• On doctrines central to salvation___, the Bible has never been, nor will it
ever be proven wrong.
• The essence___ of the creation story cannot be disproved by science.
There may be some significant disagreement with my placement of the check marks
in this table. As a young-earth guy myself, I am quite prone to defend the creation of
the world in 6 literal days. But I do not believe my viewpoint is essential to
salvation, so I can enjoy Christian fellowship with my old-earth believing brothers
and sisters.
For each of the statements below, check where they belong on our doctrinal target.
To Dismiss
To Discuss
To Defend
To Die For
Doctrinal Statement
Matter and energy are eternal. X
God created everything out of nothing. X
God created the universe in six, literal 24 hour days. X
The apparent age of the universe can be explained by a temporal X
gap between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2 when Satan fell.
God created the universe in such a way that it requires no further X
intervention from Him.
Angels Described
• The term ‘angel’ means a messenger___.
o Does not necessarily mean the class of spiritual beings now being
considered.
o In Revelation 2 - 3, for example, it is more likely that Jesus is
addressing the pastors___ of the seven churches.
• The angels we are considering are spiritual, created___ beings.
o They are not eternal.
o They were created by God at some point, certainly before___ humans
were created.
• In some places, sons of God might___ refer to angels. Job 1:6
o This is not to equate them with the eternal Son of God.
o It may simply refer to creatures created by God.
• They are called the Host___ of Heaven. 2 Chronicles 18:18; Psalms
148:2; Luke 2:13
Origin of Angels
• Created by God. Nehemiah 9:6; Colossians 1:16
• Angels were created in great numbers___. Matthew 26:53; Hebrews
12:22; Revelation 5:11
• Angels were created before___ the earth. Job 38:7
• They were created in a higher __ order than man. Psalms 8:4-5
• Angels do not die___. Luke 20:35-36; Hebrews 2:9
• They will either live forever in the presence of God…
• …or they will suffer forever in the Lake of Fire___.
Classes of Angels.
• Michael___ the Archangel. Jude 1:9; Revelation 12:7; Daniel 12:1
• Gabriel___, the other named angel. Daniel 8:15-16; Luke 1:19; 26-27
• Seraphim___ are angels who have the task of guarding the divine throne.
Isaiah 6:2-3; Revelation 4:8
• Cherubim___ are angels who are assigned to guard the Gates of Eden in
Genesis 3:24. They also were represented on the Ark of the Covenant and
decorated Solomon’s Temple.
Angels are spiritual beings created by God before the creation of the
universe.
a. Archangel (Michael)
c. Seraphim
d. Cherubim
For each of the statements below, check where they belong on our doctrinal target.
To Dismiss
To Discuss
To Defend
To Die For
Doctrinal Statement
Angels are created, spiritual beings. X
Angels were created to worship, serve and glorify God. X
Since they reside in heaven, angels know everything God knows. X
Angels are more intelligent than humans, so we should pray to X
them.
Angels will attend Jesus’ second coming. X
For each of the statements below, check where they belong on our doctrinal target.
To Dismiss
To Discuss
To Defend
To Die For
Doctrinal Statement
Satan is engaged in a rebellion against God and the end is still in X
doubt.
Satan is real, personal, malevolent, and he opposes God and His X
people.
Satan is omnipresent, that is, he is everywhere at once. X
Satan is among the most powerful angels ever created, but his X
power is limited by God.
Satan can be resisted by submitting to God. X
The demons were created as such by God. X
Satan and his demons will spend eternity in the Lake of Fire. X
QUIZ: MID-TERM
Answer each of the following questions, citing Scripture where appropriate. You may
use your Bible, textbook, reference works, computer, teacher-generated notes, or your
own notes. Despite what you might have heard from the secular court system, prayer is
very appropriate in school – especially before and during tests!
1. Pantheism
2. Polytheism
3. Deism
4. Atheism
5. Agnosticism
6. Theism
7. Infinite
Without limits.
8. Eternal
9. Holy
10. Omnipotent
11. Immutable
Unchangeable.
12. Omnipresent
13. Theology
14. Doctrine
15. Pneumatology
16. Christology.
17. Anthropology
A theory that God used the mechanism of evolution to create the species.
21. When we say “the pre-incarnate state of Christ”, what are we talking about?
God the Son has existed from eternity past and did not come into being
when He was born to Mary. He shows up throughout the Old Testament,
often referred to as the Angel of the Lord.
23. If you could use only two words to describe God’s nature, what would they be?
Cite scripture to support your answer.
Answers will vary. One possible pair is Holy (Isaiah 6:3) and Love (1
John 4:8)
24. In class, we have said “God is knowable, but He is not comprehensible.” Explain
what that means, and cite scripture to support your answer.
25. In reference to the Trinity, what is significant about the word used for God in
Genesis 1:1?
The word used (Elohim) is plural, implying His plural nature. The
singular word for God is El.
26. What is our source of authority for developing doctrine? Support your answer
from Scripture.
The Bible is our sole source for developing doctrine. (2 Tim 3:16)
27. Why was it important that Jesus Christ live a perfect, sinless life? Support your
answer from Scripture.
If Christ had sinned, he would have to pay for His own transgressions
and could not have paid for ours. (2 Corinthians 5:21)
There is only one God. That God is eternally existent in three persons,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Each person of the Trinity is fully God and
fully distinct. The triune nature of God is not in conflict with His unity,
despite the difficulty we humans have of comprehending it.
29. Is it possible for us, while in our flesh, to understand the Trinity? Why or why
not?
30. Why should we quote Scripture to an unbeliever, even if he/she does not
acknowledge the authority of Scripture? I guess you’d better cite Scripture to
support this one!
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans
10:17)
God speaks through His word, even to those who might not acknowledge
it.
Section III: Contending for the Faith – Assume that a friend or acquaintance has
made each of the following statements. If they are true, based on the Word of God, say
so. If they are not, write “False” and explain why the statement is incorrect.
31. 1 Corinthians 8:1-5 proves that there are more gods than one.
False – This passage speaks of idols as false gods. Verse 4 clearly states
that there are no other gods but the one true God.
32. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit were all involved in the creation of the world.
True
33. All the philosophical arguments, taken together, will not absolutely prove the
existence of God, but the preponderance of evidence certainly leads to that
conclusion. That’s what Paul is saying in Romans 1:20.
True
34. The Holy Spirit is described in the Bible as God’s divine power, the “force” behind
His actions.
False – The Holy Spirit is a person just as much as the Father and the
Son are. He exhibits intelligence, will and emotion, all of which are
attributes of personhood.
35. You Christians are polytheists, because you believe in three gods.
False – We believe that there is only one God, but that one God is
eternally existent in three persons. God’s triune nature is not in conflict
with His essential oneness.
36. Every Christian doctrine can be supported by using the Old Testament alone.
True
37. Philippians 2:7-10 shows that Jesus humbled Himself by becoming a man.
True
38. Jesus has always been in existence, and Proverbs 8:22-36 shows this.
39. The Son and the Spirit are just different manifestations of the same God. Isaiah
9:6 proves that Jesus is really the Everlasting Father.
False – The Son and the Spirit are distinct members of the Trinity. At
Jesus’ baptism (Matthew 3:13-17) all three were clearly present at the
same time.
40. The Holy Spirit is not eternal like the Father and the Son. It came into being on
the Day of Pentecost. (Acts 2)
False – The Holy Spirit is eternal. This can easily be seen from Genesis
1:2.
Section IV: Apologetics – Consider the following scenario, then frame your answer
with Biblical proofs.
41. A co-worker comes to you at lunch and says “I see you always have your Bible
with you. Can you tell me why in the world you believe in God?”
Answers will vary. Key issues to look for include the following:
Define anthropology.
Discuss what is meant by the image of God in man.
Anthropology defined:
• The study of humankind____, past and present.
• Biblical anthropology is the study of humankind as it relates to God____.
The Bible tells us that man was specially created in the image and likeness of
God. Genesis 1:26-27
• This is often referred to by the Latin Imago Dei, which means the image____ of
God.
• In the original Hebrew, it is tselem, which can be translated as image, likeness,
resemblance, a representative figure.
• Tselem is not____ an exact duplicate; it represents the original in an imprecise
manner, so man was not created equal to God.
o God’s image in us lacks the reality____ of the original.
o But God made man in such a way as to reflect____ some of His own
perfections.
o Originally, humans were created to be perfect in knowledge,
righteousness, and holiness, exercising dominion____ over the creatures
on Earth. Genesis 1:26–1:27
• Relational View: when we interact by faith with Jesus Christ (in relationship
with Him), we have the image of God restored___ in us. 2 Corinthians
3:18
• Problematic in that unregenerate___ people retain at least some of
God’s image in them. Genesis 9:6; James 3:9
2. According to the Reformed View, man is said to reflect God’s image in four
aspects. What are they?
a. An intellectual likeness
b. A spiritual likeness
c. A moral likeness
d. A social likeness
God’s image has been defaced by sin – defaced but not completely
erased.
4. What does the work of Christ accomplish with respect to the Imago Dei?
For each of the statements below, check where they belong on our doctrinal target.
To Dismiss
To Discuss
To Defend
To Die For
Doctrinal Statement
Humans were directly and specially created by God. X
The image of God in man is an intellectual, spiritual, moral and X
social likeness.
When God created Adam and Eve, they were without sin. X
Humans are the most intelligent of animals, but animals X
nonetheless.
In the original creation, humans were vegetarians and animals were X
herbivores because there was no death.
Human beings have a Trichotomous nature. X
God created humans to exercise dominion over the Earth. X
I believe this refers to the satanic rebellion where Satan drew a third of
the created angels into his treason. (Other opinions do exist.)
4. What are the implications of the dragon being cast out of heaven?
A great spiritual war is engaged with Michael leading the forces of God
and Satan opposing him. While the battle is still engaged, Satan
continues to deceive and rule on Earth. However, the outcome is not in
doubt; Satan and his forces will be cast into the Lake of Fire.
• Satan’s fall doomed him to destruction, but man’s fall maintains the
possibility___ of redemption.
• Satan’s fall was a result of pride; man’s fall was as a result of his desire to attain
for himself___ beauty, knowledge and food.
• Sorrow, toil, and the struggle with his own evil nature became man’s lot.
For each of the statements below, check where they belong on our doctrinal target.
To Dismiss
To Discuss
To Defend
To Die For
Doctrinal Statement
Adam and Eve were created in a state of moral perfection. X
The fall of man came as a result of Satan slandering God and X
tempting Eve.
Adam and Eve could have resisted Satan’s temptation. X
Mankind’s original sin had no impact on the rest of the universe. X
Death entered the world as a result of original sin. X
Defining Sin:
• Placing anything else in God’s place.
• Denying God the worship___ and glory He deserves.
• A violation of that which God’s glory demands.
• The contradiction___ of God.
• Sin involves selfishness___, but moreover a willful disobedience directed at
God.
• Cosmic treason___.
Consequences of Sin
• Genesis 3 addresses the origin___ of sin in humankind.
• As a result of sin, man’s attitude toward God changed.
• There was also a change in God’s attitude___ toward man.
• The entire human race shares solidarity in sin and evil.
• The physical universe was cursed___.
• Death appeared because of man’s sin.
o “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” Romans 3:23
o “…the wages of sin is death” Romans 6:23
1. What can we learn about the Hebrew and Greek words translated as “sin”?
Sin is “missing the mark” or departing from God’s design and perfect
will.
b. Death
• Adam’s sin is a bad example, but we are not guilty___ of original sin.
Arminian View:
• Adam’s sin caused our corrupted nature___, but not our guilt.
• We retain the ability to seek God when aided by the Holy Spirit___.
• Since the Holy Spirit’s call____ is universal, everyone has the ability to seek
God.
Seminalism:
• Our union with Adam is a real, biological____, spiritual union.
• The union is genetic____ because Adam contained the seed of the rest of
humanity.
• We have all sinned____ in Adam – his sin is our sin – and we all are subject
to the penalty.
Federalism:
• We have all sinned in Adam – his sin is our sin - but the link is not____
biological.
• And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the
image of the heavenly Man. 1 Corinthians 15:49
Sin is universal
• Even if we were not guilty of Adam’s sin, we would still be guilty____
because of our sin nature. Isaiah 64:6
• We all have plenty of our own sin____. Psalms 53:2-3; Romans 3:23
2. How do the Pelagian and Arminian views of imputation differ from the Seminal
and Federal views?
Pelagian and Arminian views stress Adam’s sin as our example, but we
are guilty only of our own sin.
Seminal and Federal views stress our solidarity with Adam so that we
would be guilty even if we had no sin of our own.
Human Inability Matthew 7:18; John 1:10; John 6:44; Romans 8:8
• We are incapable____ of good apart from God.
• We are not able to change our character____ on our own.
• We are not able to act in accordance with God’s commandments____.
• We are incapable of faith.
• We are in absolute, complete bondage____ to sin.
• Total depravity is man's natural condition apart from any grace____
exerted by God to restrain or transform him.
For each of the statements below, check where they belong on our doctrinal target.
To Dismiss
To Discuss
To Defend
To Die For
Doctrinal Statement
Sin is any act or attitude of rebellion against God. X
Human beings are born with the ability to resist sin and live a sinless X
life.
Because God is holy and just, every sin must be punished. X
Death is a consequence of sin. X
Even if we had no sin of our own, we would still be guilty of Adam’s X
sin.
Total depravity is man’s natural condition apart from any grace X
exerted by God to restrain or transform him.
Some students may object to the doctrine of total depravity as stated here, especially if
they come from an Arminian tradition. It’s best to direct them to Scripture and avoid a
heated argument.
Salvation is:
• In the Greek: Soteria (4991) - Deliverance, preservation, salvation___.
• The deliverance, by the grace___ of God, from eternal punishment for sin
which is granted to those who accept by faith God’s conditions of repentance
and faith in the Lord Jesus.
• The only thing we bring to the table is our faith___, and even that must be
graciously given by God. Ephesians 2:8-9
• Salvation is only available through Jesus Christ___. John 14:6; Acts 4:12
Elements of Salvation:
• Regeneration - the act of the Holy Spirit by which we are made alive in a
spiritual___ sense. John 3:3; Ephesians 2:5
o Also called rebirth, being born of the Spirit, being born again.
o In the Greek: gennaō (1080) anōthen (509) – Born from above.
Atonement - the process of bringing the estranged into a unity___ with God. Romans
5:6
• Sin is universal and God cannot tolerate sin. Every sin must be judged and
punished (atoned for).
• Judgment will be carried out either on the sinner himself, which requires an
eternity of torment in hell, or by the death___ of Jesus on the cross.
• Atonement requires___ the shedding of blood___. Leviticus 17:11;
Hebrews 9:22
• The victim of sacrifice must be unblemished, that is, perfect___.
• The victim of sacrifice must also be valuable; it must cost something.
• Old Testament sacrificial atonement points forward to the cross___.
• In the New Testament, it becomes clear that atonement is a central
theme___ of the Bible. It reveals God’s love for men and women. Romans
5:8; John 3:16; Hebrews 2:9
Justification – to declare one right___ with God. Romans 3:24; Acts 13:39
• In the Greek: Dikaloo (1344) - to render righteous.
• In Christ we are proclaimed righteous in God’s sight, as if we had kept___
the whole law.
• This is done completely as a result of Jesus’___ work.
For each of the statements below, check where they belong on our doctrinal target.
To Dismiss
To Discuss
To Defend
To Die For
Doctrinal Statement
Salvation is available only by faith in Jesus Christ. X
Salvation is God’s work alone. X
Regeneration (being born again) is the work of the Holy Spirit. X
Salvation is based on human ability to keep God’s commandments. X
Sacrificial atonement requires the shedding of blood. X
In Christ, one is declared righteous as if he had kept the law X
perfectly.
God the Father is responsible for election___. Ephesians 1:4; 1 Peter 1:2; John
6:37
• Looking at salvation from God’s perspective.
• Election means to call one out___ from a larger group of people.
God the Holy Spirit is responsible for regeneration___. John 3:5; 6:63; 16:8
• Regeneration is also called being “born again” or “born of the Spirit.
• God the Holy Spirit is also responsible for testifying___ of Jesus. John
15:26
o He does this primarily through the transmission___ of God’s Word.
o The Holy Spirit inspired the writers of scripture, and He enables human
beings to understand them. (Romans 10:17)
God the Son is responsible for the atonement___ and sanctification of the
saints. 1 Corinthians 1:2; 2 Corinthians 5:21
1. What role does each member of the Trinity with regard to salvation?
God the Father elects, God the Son atones, God the Holy Spirit
regenerates and testifies of Christ.
Viewpoints on election:
• Pelagianism
• Emphasizes human ability to choose God apart from any work by the
Holy Spirit___.
• Teaches that human beings are fully capable___ of choosing to follow
Christ on their own.
• Emphasizes human works___ as a means of salvation.
• Generally considered a heretical___ viewpoint.
• In practice, some traditions are essentially semi-pelagian.
• Arminianism
• Does not discount divine election, but emphasizes responsibility of
man to make a choice.
• God chose the elect by foreknowledge___ of who would exercise
faith.
• Faith is Man’s gift to God, which precedes___ the new birth.
• The call of the Holy Spirit is conditional___ on man’s decision. Thus,
the concept of decisional regeneration.
• Holds prescient___ view of God’s foreknowledge, which means that
God elects based on His knowing how a person would respond to the
call.
• Calvinism
• Emphasizes God’s holiness and sovereignty___.
• God chose___ who would believe.
• The call of the Holy Spirit is irresistible___.
• Scriptural evidence is focused on numerous scriptures emphasizing
predestination. Romans 9:6-24; Ephesians 1:1-5
For each of the statements below, check where they belong on our doctrinal target.
To Dismiss
To Discuss
To Defend
To Die For
Doctrinal Statement
God the Father elects and predestines those who will come to X
salvation.
God’s election is based on his foreknowledge of those who will X
believe
Salvation is impossible without the regenerating work of the Holy X
Spirit.
From the temporal perspective, man is responsible for accepting or X
rejecting Christ.
Human beings are fully capable of choosing to believe Christ without X
any additional work by the Holy Spirit.
1. What is regeneration?
Regeneration is the creative act of God which makes the call of the
Gospel effective for salvation. It is being “born of the spirit”, “reborn”,
“born again”, or “quickened” (brought to spiritual life).
Sanctification Defined:
• To be sanctified___ is to be set apart for a holy purpose.
• The Christian saint is to be separated___ from everything that is profane,
unclean or impure.
• The Christian saint is to be dedicated___ to the exclusive service of God.
• Sanctification is “…That gracious and continuous operation of the Holy Spirit
by which He delivers the justified sinner from the pollution of sin, renews his
whole nature in the image of God and enables him to perform good works.”
(D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones)
• Sanctification is the process the Holy Spirit uses to progressively match our
behavior to our positional___ righteousness. Philippians 3:20-21
For each of the statements below, check where they belong on our doctrinal target.
To Dismiss
To Discuss
To Defend
To Die For
Doctrinal Statement
God is the author of all aspects of salvation, election, regeneration, X
justification, sanctification and perseverance.
It is impossible for one who is truly saved to fall away. X
It may look like some believers fall away, but if they do so X
permanently, they were never saved in the first place.
Assurance of salvation can be achieved by following the X
prescriptions found in the Bible.
It is possible for a person to presumptively believe they are a X
Christian when they are actually not.
QUIZ: SOTERIOLOGY
1. Election
2. Regeneration
The act of the Holy Spirit by which we are made alive in a spiritual sense.
3. Atonement
4. Redemption
With His sacrifice, Jesus paid the price to redeem us from sin’s slavery,
resulting in freedom from sin and our rescue from the eternal
consequences of that sin.
5. Propitiation
A two-part act that involves appeasing the wrath of God and being
reconciled to Him.
6. Justification
7. Reconciliation
8. Sanctification
Short Answer:
9. Describe the role of each member of the Trinity with regard to salvation.
God the Father is responsible for election. God the Son is responsible for
the atonement and the sanctification of the saints. God the Holy Spirit is
responsible for regeneration and testifying of Jesus.
10. Compare and contrast Pelagianism, Arminianism and Calvinism with respect to
salvation.
Arminianism asserts that while the Holy Spirit makes it possible for
somebody to come to faith, the individual must cooperate with the Holy
Spirit and has the ability to refuse the offer of salvation.
Calvinism asserts that salvation is completely of God and that the call of
the Holy Spirit is irresistible. All God has elected for salvation will
inevitably come to saving faith.
11. Compare and contrast the Arminian view of perseverance with the Calvinistic
view.
Arminianism asserts that perseverance is the responsibility of the
believer and consequently, one can lose his or her salvation.
The church was founded at Pentecost___, but shares a spiritual union with Old
Testament saints. 1 Corinthians 10:1-4; Hebrews 11:13-16
For each of the statements below, check where they belong on our doctrinal target.
To Dismiss
To Discuss
To Defend
To Die For
Doctrinal Statement
Peter the Apostle is the foundation of the Church and the first Pope. X
The Church Universal is the gathering of all true believers X
throughout time and space.
Jesus established His Church on the foundation of testimony of the X
Apostles.
The Church and the Synagogue of Israel are separate, but both X
valid.
It is possible to be a member of a local church, but not be a true X
Christian.
Jesus desire for His church was that she be unified with Him, glorified in
Him, present with Him and made perfect in Him.
2. How is it possible for every local church to carry out her mission?
The Spirit of Christ has gifted individual saints with everything necessary
to carry out the church’s mission.
The primary mission of the church is to edify herself, bringing the saints
into practical alignment with their positional righteousness.
Church Leadership:
• Originally, the church was lead directly by the Apostles___. Acts 2:42
• Apostles first appointed deacons___ to wait tables and see to the needs of
Hellenist widows. Acts 6:1-6
• As missionary outreach spread the faith, leaders were appointed___ in
those new churches. Acts 14:23
• Presbyterian model:
• The local church is governed by a group of elders___.
• The pastor___ is seen as an elder with a specialized role, but has no
greater authority than the other elders.
• Elders from several local churches are also members of the
presbytery___ which rules over the local churches.
• Members elected from each presbytery form a “general
assembly___”, which has ruling authority over all the churches in a
region or a nation.
• Congregational Model:
• Final governing authority resides within the congregation___ itself.
• The congregation elects (calls) one elder or pastor___ as its spiritual
leader.
• The pastor is assisted or supervised by a group of
deacons/elders___ who are also elected by the congregation.
For each of the statements below, check where they belong on our doctrinal target.
To Dismiss
To Discuss
To Defend
To Die For
Doctrinal Statement
Jesus desires unity for His Church. X
The primary goal of ministry is to edify, that is, build up the Church. X
Evangelism is the responsibility of individual Christians, but the X
Church has the responsibility to prepare saints to carry out their
responsibility.
Pastors are called to carry out all the ministries in a local church. X
The Congregational model of church government is closest to the X
Biblical standard.
Unity under local church government is possible only when leaders X
and members submit to Christ.
Church Ordinances
• Many traditions call ordinances “sacraments” ___.
• Not “sacred” ___ in that they do not mystically bring about salvation or
remittance of sin.
• They do reflect God’s grace, or remind us of God’s grace.
• The Roman Catholic___ Church identifies seven “sacraments”.
• Baptism
• Confirmation
• Eucharist
• Confession (Penance)
• Holy Orders
• Matrimony
• Anointing the sick
• Evangelical protestant churches generally identify two ordinances (or
sacraments). They are baptism___ and the Lord’s Supper___.
• Baptism:
• Baptism is a profession of faith before the church___.
• In baptism, the believer identifies with Christ’s death, burial and
resurrection.
• Baptism does not, in itself, provide any effect___ on the person, but
it is an important step in faith that God can richly bless.
• Sprinkling, pouring, or immersion are used, but immersion___ is
generally preferred in our tradition as it most closely symbolizes Jesus’
burial and resurrection.
Church Discipline
Goals of Church Discipline
• Goal 1: The restoration___ of the individual involved in wrongdoing.
• Goal 2: To maintain the purity___ of the church. (Christ’s bride)
• Church discipline is seen as corrective___ rather than punitive.
• Church discipline should never be seen as extracting vengeful
retribution.
For each of the statements below, check where they belong on our doctrinal target.
To Dismiss
To Discuss
To Defend
To Die For
Doctrinal Statement
Church ordinances are memorials, or reminders of God’s grace; they X
do not confer grace in and of themselves.
Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are the only two ordinances X
(sacraments) given by Jesus.
The proper exercise of discipline is a characteristic of a true church. X
Church discipline must always be corrective rather than punitive. X
Once a church member is dis-fellowshipped, he can never be X
restored.
For each of the statements below, check where they belong on our doctrinal target.
To Dismiss
To Discuss
To Defend
To Die For
Doctrinal Statement
The souls of departed people are unconscious until the final X
judgment.
In the intermediate state between physical death and the final X
judgment, the souls of believers are in the presence of Jesus.
The only way to escape eternal torment is to have one’s name found X
in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
Unbelievers will be annihilated following Jesus’ second coming. X
Once cast into Revelation’s Lake of Fire, there is no escape. X
Heaven in Scripture:
• The Hebrew word Shamyim (8064) is used three ways:
o Of the sky____, or realm of the sky, where birds fly. Deut 4:16
o Expanse (firmament____) where sun, moon and stars are. Genesis
1:14
o God’s storehouse, or the dwelling place of God Genesis 7-8
• Greek word Ouranos (3772), translated heaven____, conveys the same idea
as in the Old Testament.
For each of the statements below, check where they belong on our doctrinal target.
To Dismiss
To Discuss
To Defend
To Die For
Doctrinal Statement
The soul continues after death and is conscious. X
There is a way to escape hell after one dies. X
Believers in the intermediate state still have something to look X
forward to.
The current physical heavens will be destroyed along with the earth X
at Christ’s second coming.
Amillennialism
• There is no literal____ 1000 year earthly reign of Christ.
• We are now in the symbolic____ millennial period. Christ is now
reigning____ over the Kingdom of God on earth – although not all are
members.
• Before the end there will be a great apostasy____.
• Christ will return, followed by the resurrection____ of the just and the
unjust.
• This will then usher in the eternal____ state.
Postmillennialism
• The work of the church____ and true Christians will establish the millennium
sometime in the future.
• Jesus will return after 1000 years of righteousness____ on earth.
• The resurrection and judgment____ will then occur, ushering in the eternal
state
Historic Pre-millennialism
• We are now in the church____ age.
• Sometime in the future there will be a great apostasy____ and tribulation.
• Christ will return to establish His kingdom and resurrect____ the righteous.
• Christ will reign on earth for 1000 years.
• Following the millennium, the resurrection and judgment of the
unsaved____ will be accomplished.
• This will usher in the eternal state.
Dispensational Pre-millennialism
• We are now in the Church Age.
• Jesus will return secretly to rapture____ His church.
• Following the rapture, there will be great apostasy and tribulation____.
• We will then see the second coming____ of Christ with His saints.
• The resurrection of Old Testament and tribulation____ saints will occur.
• There will be a 1000 year earthly reign of Christ followed by the
resurrection____ and judgment of the unsaved.
• The eternal state will then be initiated.
For each of the statements below, check where they belong on our doctrinal target.
To Dismiss
To Discuss
To Defend
To Die For
Doctrinal Statement
Jesus will return as a conquering King to resurrect the righteous and X
establish the eternal state.
The Millennium described in Revelation 20 is a symbol representing X
our current Church age.
Jesus will return secretly to rapture His Church before the Great X
Tribulation takes place.
There will be a resurrection of those justified by Christ and those X
who remain in their unjustified, guilty state.
The purpose of prophecy is to demonstrate the sovereignty of God X
and to bring glory to Him as historical events unfold.
o The question is, does this occur at the end of the 69th week, or does this
describe events during the 70th week?
2. How does the interpretation of the personal pronoun “He” in verse 27 impact the
interpretation of this passage?
For each of the statements below, check where they belong on our doctrinal target.
To Dismiss
To Discuss
To Defend
To Die For
Doctrinal Statement
In His discourse in Matthew 24 and 25, Jesus is answering a three X
part question about the destruction of the Temple, the end of the
Age, and the sign of His coming.
Jesus predicted the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple. X
Jesus predicted ongoing tribulation, persecution and apostasy during X
the Church age.
Jesus predicted a pre-tribulation rapture of the Church. X
Jesus predicted that His saints would be protected from all physical X
harm.
Jesus predicted a sudden second coming that will not be missed. X
1 Corinthians 15:50-52
• The trumpet____ sounds.
• The dead____ rise.
• The living are changed____.
• Notice that this happens at the last____ trumpet.
Matthew 24:29-31
• The Tribulation____ ends.
• There will be cosmic upheaval.
• The sign____ of Son of Man is seen and Jesus comes.
• Angels____ are sent with trumpet.
• The elect____ are gathered from the 4 winds (Earth?) and from all over
heaven.
Mark 13:24-27
• The Tribulation____ ends.
• Cosmic upheaval happens.
• The Son of Man is seen.
• Angels____ are sent.
• The elect are gathered____.
Revelation 11:15-18
• The seventh (last) trumpet____ sounds.
• God takes possession of kingdoms____ of the world.
• The dead are resurrected for judgment____.
• Prophets and saints____ judged for rewards.
• Destroyers____ of the earth are destroyed.
Revelation 20:4-6
• The saints____ are resurrected.
• The resurrected____ reign 1000 years.
• The unsaved____ are resurrected.
• The unsaved are cast into the Lake of Fire which is the second____ death.
2 Thessalonians 2:1-8
• The great apostasy____ occurs.
• The restrainer____ of evil is removed.
• Antichrist____ is revealed in the temple.
• Jesus____ returns.
• Key to this passage: Who is the restrainer?
o Dispensational theologians believe He is the Holy Spirit____ acting
through the church.
§ In Genesis 6:3, the Holy Spirit “strives” or restrains men. (This
might also be translated “abides”.)
§ The church blesses society at large. Matthew 5:13-16
§ When church is raptured, the Holy Spirit will withhold His special
restraining ministry.
These arguments will likely be troubling to some students (and instructors) as the
Dispensational timeline is quite popular in evangelical Christianity today. The goal is to
encourage students to search Scripture in an unbiased way rather than relying on
previous teaching or tradition. It’s also important to emphasize that Bible-believing
evangelical theologians sometimes disagree and that these are not “doctrines to die for.”
Conclusions:
The rapture refers to the “catching up” of living saints to be with Jesus.
It is based on the teaching of Paul in 1 Thessalonians 4:17.
For each of the statements below, check where they belong on our doctrinal target.
To Dismiss
To Discuss
To Defend
To Die For
Doctrinal Statement
There will be a bodily resurrection of both the justified (in Jesus) and X
the unjust.
Belief in the resurrection is critical to salvation. X
The resurrection of believers comes with a glorious, sin-free body. X
Those who die without trusting in Christ will have a second chance X
at the resurrection.
The resurrection of believers will come prior to a literal 1000 year X
Millennial reign of Christ and unbelievers will be resurrected after the
Millennium.
The reprobate will be resurrected for judgment. X
Judgment of Unbelievers
• Non-believers do perform acts of love and mercy.
• These are evidence of God’s common____ grace which restrains evil and
promotes goodness.
• These acts alone will not justify anybody!
• There is no way apart from Jesus____ that anyone can be saved. Acts 4:12
For each of the statements below, check where they belong on our doctrinal target.
To Dismiss
To Discuss
To Defend
To Die For
Doctrinal Statement
Divine Judgment is the working out of God’s mercy and wrath. X
People will be judged by whether or not they performed more good X
works than bad during their lives.
God’s judgment is at work in the world today, but it is not the final X
judgment.
Judgment is based on an individual’s response to the revealed will of X
God.
Apart from faith in Christ, nobody can stand at God’s judgment. X
Believers will be judged on their stewardship of gifts and X
responsibilities given to them, but it will not affect their standing in
the kingdom of God.
1. Anthropology
2. Hamartialogy
3. Soteriology
4. Ecclesiology
5. Eschatology
6. Sheol
7. Gehenna
11. Amillennialism
12. Postmillennialism
The eschatological view that Christ will return after 1000 years of
righteousness on Earth which was initiated by the evangelical work of
the Church.
The eschatological view that Christ will return to rapture the Church
prior to the Great Tribulation, then return again to establish His
Millennial reign.
Section II: Short Answer – Answer each of the following in a phrase or a sentence.
Cite Scripture where appropriate.
15. When we say “the pre-incarnate state of Christ”, what are we talking about?
God the Son’s existence prior to being born a human being in Bethlehem.
17. If you could use only two words to describe God’s nature, what would they be?
Cite scripture to support your answer.
Answers will vary. One possible pair is Holy (Isaiah 6:3) and Love (1
John 4:8)
18. In class, we have said “God is knowable, but He is not comprehensible.” Explain
what that means, and cite Scripture to support your answer.
19. In reference to the Trinity, what is significant about the word used for God in
Genesis 1:1?
The word used (Elohim) is plural, implying His plural nature. The
singular word for God is El.
20. What is our source of authority for developing doctrine? Support your answer
from Scripture.
The Bible is our sole source for developing doctrine. (2 Tim 3:16)
21. Why was it important that Jesus Christ live a perfect, sinless life? Support your
answer from Scripture.
If Christ had sinned, he would have to pay for His own transgressions
and could not have paid for ours. (2 Corinthians 5:21)
There is only one God. That God is eternally existent in three persons,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Each person of the Trinity is fully God and
fully distinct. The triune nature of God is not in conflict with His unity,
despite the difficulty we humans have of comprehending it.
23. Is it possible for us, while in our flesh, to fully understand the Trinity? Why or
why not?
24. Why should we quote Scripture to an unbeliever, even if he/she/it does not
acknowledge the authority of Scripture? I guess you’d better cite Scripture to
support this one!
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans
10:17)
God speaks through His word, even to those who might not acknowledge
it.
27. What was the original state of man (before the fall)?
f. Sorrow, toil, and the struggle with his own evil nature became man’s
lot.
29. What does it mean when we say humankind is totally depraved? Support your
answer from Scripture.
As a consequence of the fall, humans are born with a sin nature. We are
completely incapable of living life according to God’s standard. There is
no part of human life that is absolved from this fallen state and there can
be no grounds for justification found in any human being. (Isaiah 64:6;
Romans 3:23)
30. What is the difference between Old Testament ritual sacrifice and Christ’s
sacrifice on the cross? Support your answer from Scripture.
The Old Testament sacrifice was a type pointing to the cross. Because
the ritual sacrifice was incapable of permanently dealing with sin, it had
to be repeated daily, but Christ’s sacrifice on the cross was sufficient
once for all. (Hebrews 7:23-28)
31. In Romans 3:25, Paul writes that God sent forth Jesus as a propitiation by His
blood. What does this mean?
32. Some theologians profess the theory of limited atonement. Others believe in
unlimited atonement. Compare and contrast these views.
Limited atonement asserts that Christ’s sacrifice was only for those who
are God’s elect. Unlimited atonement asserts that Christ’s sacrifice was
sufficient for all human beings, but only effective for those who willfully
chose to believe.
33. Describe the importance of Christ’s resurrection. Cite Scripture to support your
answer.
The Kingdom of God exists wherever God reigns. Therefore, the true
Church is most certainly part of the Kingdom of God, but the Church is
not all of what the Kingdom of God contains.
Section III: Contending for the faith – Assume that a friend or acquaintance has
made each of the following statements. If they are true, based on the Word of God, say
so. If they are not, write “False” and cite Scripture explaining why it is incorrect.
35. I know I am a Christian because I live in a Christian country and I was baptized
as a baby.
False - For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of
yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.
(Ephesians 2:8-9)
False - And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into
the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:15)
37. I’m a Christian, but nowhere in the Bible does it say that I should go to church.
False - And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good
works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the
manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as
you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24-25)
38. God knew I was going to be a Christian even before He created the universe.
True
False - … that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe
in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth
confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:9-10)
40. There is no way I can lose my salvation because God will keep me from falling
away.
True, assuming your conversion was authentic. This is the will of the
Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing,
but should raise it up at the last day. (John 6:39)
41. The Bible clearly teaches that the Church will be raptured before the great
tribulation.
Section IV: Apologetics – Frame your answer to the following with Biblical proofs.
Student answers will vary, but must be supported by the appropriate use
of scripture.
43. There are many competing views of Biblical eschatology, and good, Bible-
believing Christians will often disagree. However, there are some points that
should be beyond debate. List those points below and support each item in your
list with a scripture reference.
Student answers will vary, but should include the following at minimum:
1. The authority of the Bible.
2. The transcendent, triune, personal, sovereign nature of God.
3. The depravity of man, including the impossibility of justifying
oneself before God.
4. The sinless nature of Jesus’ life on Earth.
5. The sufficiency of Christ’s atoning sacrifice on the cross.
6. Salvation by God’s grace alone by faith alone in Jesus Christ alone.
7. The promise of Christ’s return at the end of the age.
8. The blessed hope of an eternity with Christ for all true believers.
GLOSSARY
Agnostic - The word Agnostic derives from the negation of the Greek word [gnosis],
which means esoteric knowledge of higher things. Agnostic means no-knowledge or not
knowing. Agnostics generally believe that no one can know whether or not God exists.
Some take a more liberal approach, saying "they" do not know, but that existence of a
Deity might be possible.
Amillennialism - The eschatological view that there is no literal thousand year reign of
Christ. The Millennium of Revelation 20 refers symbolically to the Church Age.
Angelology - is from the Greek [aggelos] meaning angel, and [logos] meaning word or
discourse. So it means the discourse or the study of angels. The words translated angel
appears over 200 times throughout the scriptures. In the Old Testament it is the Hebrew
word [malak] and in the New Testament it is the Greek word [aggelos], from where we
get the actual word Angel. In both the Hebrew and Greek (Old and New Testament) the
words mean, a messenger.
Antinomianism - is from the Greek [anti] meaning opposed to, and [nomos] meaning
Law. It denotes those who oppose God's law.
Apostasy - is from the Greek [apostasia], which means a departing or separating (2nd
Thessalonians 2:3). In Christianity it is a forsaking or departing from the faith,
principles, or truth, to which the Church previously held (1st Timothy 4:1, Hebrews
3:12). This abandonment or falling away from the faith is an opposite of the protestant
reformation, which was the returning to the faith, principles, and truths which the
Church formerly held.
Apologetics – Presents a rational basis for the Christian faith, defending the faith
against objections.
His followers became known as the Remonstrants, or the Deniers because they believe
that man is not totally depraved, but is inherently good, so that God elects people to be
Saved on the basis of His foreseeing something good in them, that they repent and
believe. This view is antithetical to the Reformed Doctrines of Grace.
Atonement - The process of bringing the estranged into a unity with God.
Christology - is from the Greek, [christos] meaning "anointed one," and [logos]
meaning "word." By extension the words or discourse about the anointed one. This is
the doctrine that deals with the person of Jesus Christ. It encompasses the theological
study of both the divine and the human nature of the Savior, and the roles they play in
Christianity.
Doxology - is from the two Greek words [doxa] meaning glory, and [logos], meaning to
speak. By implication the word logos can mean "word." These are the same Greek words
found in your Bible that are translated "word" and "glory." So very literally, doxology
means "words to glorify."
Ecclesiology - is from the Greek [ekklesia] meaning Church, and [logos] meaning
word. By extension the word or discourse of the Church. It is the study of the Church
and its origins. The purpose is to produce a deeper understanding of the body of Christ
as seen in the light of divine revelation of God, received in faith.
Eschatology - is from the Greek [eschatos] meaning last, and [logos] meaning word or
discourse. It is the theological Doctrine of the discourse of the last things, such as life
after death, immortality, judgment, the coming of Christ, and the end time events.
Election - the biblical doctrine that God in His sovereignty chooses certain individuals to
be saved.
Gnosticism - is from the Greek [gnosis], meaning knowing or knowledge, and implies a
esoteric knowledge of higher things. It is not a system, but more a school of thought, or
philosophical ideas which are generally related to mystery religions.
In first 3 centuries A.D., many different groups believed men (Gnostics) were saved
through this transcendental higher knowledge, which came not through God, but
through self awareness and understanding. Basically, salvation by knowledge.
Gospel - Gospel means “good news” or “glad tidings,” specifically the Good News of
Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection for our salvation, healing, and provision; and the
hope of eternal life that Jesus made available to us by God's grace.
Hamartialogy - comes from the Greek word hamartos meaning sin. Hamartiology is the
study of sin. The study includes how sin was introduced into the world, how it impacts
the world today, the solution to the sin problem of humanity, the judgment of sin, and
the removal of sin at the end of time.
Heresy - is from the Greek [hairesis] meaning, choose, or "doctrines of men who have
chosen to follow their own views." In general, heresy is a self-chosen doctrine not
emanating from God's word. Any doctrine or teaching which is contradictory to
established Church doctrine based on the Holy Bible is called a heresy.
Inerrancy of the Scriptures - Scripture, having been inspired by God the Holy Spirit,
is free from all falsehood, fraud, or deceit. The sinfulness and human limits of the
writers of Scripture did not in introduce distortion or falsehood into God’s Word.
Koine - The common form of Greek spoken and written during Hellenistic and Roman
antiquity. Koine is the language of the Christian New Testament, of the Septuagint (the
3rd-century BC Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible), and of most early Christian
theological writing by the Church Fathers. Koine Greek is also known as "Biblical", "New
Testament" or "patristic” Greek.
Pelagianism - was a 5th-century heresy taught by Pelagius and his followers which
stressed that humans have the ability to fulfill the commands of God apart from
Sovereign grace, and which denies original sin. Pelagius' teachings were opposed by the
Church and its leading figure (Augustine) in particular.
Pneumatology - from the Greek [numa] meaning breath (and by extension Spirit), and
[logos] meaning word or discourse. It is the discourse or study of the Holy Spirit of God.
It encompasses the study of His person, work, gifts, and ministry. The Spirit of God
being manifested in many ways including teaching (John. 14:26), restraining sin
(Genesis 6:3, 20:6), Revelation (Matthew 11:27), and interceding (Romans 8:26).
Postmillennialism - The eschatological view that Christ will return after 1000 years of
righteousness on Earth which was initiated by the evangelical work of the Church.
Soteriology - is from two Greek word [sozo] meaning Save, and [logos] meaning word
or the word or discourse of Salvation. It is the doctrine of the study of God's work in
Salvation. How through the passion, death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ, man's
redemption is accomplished.
Special Revelation - Given to some for all: spoken, written, Walking Word.
Synoptic Gospels - Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Synoptic means with one eye, signifying
that the synoptic gospels, as opposed to the gospel according to John, tend to have the
same perspective on Jesus’ ministry.
Testament - The name of each general division of the canonical books of the sacred
Scriptures; the Old Testament; the New Testament. The name is equivalent to covenant,
and in our use of it, we apply it to the books which contain the old and new
dispensations; that of Moses, and that of Jesus Christ.
Theology - is from the Greek [theos] meaning God, and [logos] meaning word or
discourse. It is the discourse or study of God and the revelation of His omni-perfect
attributes, such as His Word, omnipresence, mercy, justice and purposes.
INDEX
A H
Angels, 79 Heaven, 143
Anthropology, 94 Holy Spirit, 62
Ascension, 61 Human Free Agency, 73
Atheistic Evolution, 76
Atonement, 113 I
impute, 106
C
Incarnation, 55
Church, 129 Instructor Checklist, 19
Church Ordinances, 137 Internet Speed Check, 15
Classroom Report Form, 13
Classroom Setup, 14 J
Course Goal, 23
Course Schedule, 24 Joy, 69
Justification, 113
D
K
Dichotomous Nature, 98
Divine election, 118 Kindness, 69
Election, 112
Exaltation, 61 M
Matthew 24-25, 151
F
Faithfulness, 69 P
Peace, 69
G Pentecost, 65